Category: Album Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Beard of Bees” – Jez Mead

Nursing a post-Eurovision hangover, I needed just the right music to survive my Monday morning. I found it in Beard of Bees, the fantastic fourth album from Jez Mead.

It’s amazing that this guy has been releasing albums for so many years, yet he hasn’t crossed my radar until now. It’s a case of better late than never though. This record is accessible yet rich, just like Jez’s voice. His bluesy rasp brings a depth to the stripped back songs. The raw delivery is perfect for creating an air of honesty and spontaneity; I imagine these songs wouldn’t sound very different if you saw them performed in your local pub. There’s that same electricity that you feel while listening to a live set, that impalpable feeling that anything could happen.

The tunes are an eclectic mix, yet the pieces fit together beautifully. The title track is a rollicking acoustic alt-country number. “Town’s Too Small” feels as if it could have been plucked straight from the Deep South, with its hand-clapping rhythm and swampy feel. As with anything that Julia Stone touches, the duet “Devil” is delicate and gorgeous. The tender closer “Crooked” is blessedly understated and lovely.

Beard of Bees is a lush, complex album that has quite simply cast a spell over me. If like me you’d never heard of Jez Mead, this should be the record to change all that. Beard of Bees will be released on June 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Simple Shades of Grey” – Skarlet Blue

The release of Skarlet Blue’s Simple Shades of Grey sees the band’s transformation from Aussie pub act to sophisticated pop rockers complete. After years spent refining their sound, in just five tracks this Melbourne four-piece tells us what they’re all about.

This is a diverse collection of tracks; the first half is light, made up of tunes I can imagine sitting neatly on any Top 40 radio station in the country. The final songs are darker, the songs that give Skarlet Blue the chance to really rock out.

The opening track, “What Went Wrong” is a real stand-out. I love the way it builds from a mellow affair to a heartfelt song of love lost with soaring vocals. “Finally Found You” and “Hiding Pictures” follow, two good fun melodic rock songs with wonderful sing-along choruses. While I enjoyed these tunes, they also made me wonder whether Skarlet Blue where just another middle-of-the-road pop-rock act.

It was a fleeting thought though, one that was banished when the final tunes kicked in. “Standing Alone” and the title track see the band treading much moodier territory. While these songs see the band moving in a less commercial direction, they never forget melody as so many hard rock acts do. That grounding makes these songs instantly accessible, even if they do veer left of centre.

In Simple Shades of Grey, Skarlet Blue have proved that all those years developing their sound have been well spent. They show great promise here, and while the five tracks make a real impact I have a feeling they only start telling this band’s story. I’m looking forward to seeing what Skarlet Blue can do in a long-play format.

Image source: Skarlet Blue MySpace page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Everywhere is Home” – Paul Greene

Making my way to Mother’s Day lunch yesterday was the ideal occasion to discover Paul Greene’s new album, Everywhere is Home. The album title hints at it, but this really is the perfect travel CD with its gentle grooves and mellow acoustic melodies.

The opener, “Ease Up,” tells us what we’re in for, reminding us that the journey is often just as important as the destination so we should all ease up and enjoy the ride. That gentle touch is prevalent throughout Paul’s music; he’s not the kind of artist that grabs you and shakes you. He sneaks up on you, charming you slowly. I enjoyed this album on its first spin, but now on my fourth or fifth time around I’m in love.

“Everybody Got a Little Love” is a standout, with its classic blues groove. I could imagine “You Should Know” appearing on a Donovan album; there’s something deliciously retro about its slightly psychedelic folk feel. The closer, “Stay On,” sees Paul completely stripped back and stunning.

Everywhere is Home sits nicely between my Josh Pyke and Ray Lamontagne albums. If you’re a fan of these artists, you’re going to eat Paul Greene’s latest disc it up. This is an album that gets to the heart of music, without bells and whistles and pretension.

Image source: Paul Greene website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“We’re Not Alone” – Chemical Transport

Chemical Transport have burst onto the music scene with their debut EP We’re Not Alone. This is the kind of recording that grabs you instantly with its big hooks and energy. It’s not too different from the kind of pop-punk we’ve seen from so many American acts in recent years, but that’s not a bad thing.

While the first few songs didn’t strike me as incredibly innovative, they were very slick and immensely likable. It’s not the kind of music I usually warm to, yet I found myself tapping my feet to those infectious beats.

Perhaps I’m being a little too harsh on the lads, but their anti-scenesters tag made me expect something which turned music on its head. This EP isn’t it, but it does hint that the band has the potential to create something which does push the envelope. After the upbeat sounds of opening tracks “Alluropoda” and “We’re Not Alone,” the earnest love song “The Hardest Goodbye” took me by surprise. It was exciting to see another side of the band revealed, and it’s one I hope they explore more in future releases. The atmospheric instrumental closer “Melanoleuca” was another bolt from the blue. It’s not the kind of thing I expected to hear on this EP, and that’s exactly why I like it.

On We’re Not Alone, Chemical Transport hint at the exciting sounds they’re capable of. They’re not wowing me yet, but this disc suggests that given time they could.

Image source: Chemical Transport MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Calling All Magicians” – Danielle Spencer

When Danielle Spencer’s latest album Calling All Magicians arrived in my letterbox I could scarcely wait to put it in my stereo. Her 2001 debut White Monkey wasn’t just one of my favourite albums of that year; it remains one of my favourite albums of all time. But, I also felt a little trepidation. That album was conceived a long time ago, a time before her marriage to actor Russell Crowe and the birth of their two children. Could she create an album that moved me in the same way now that her life has entered a much calmer phase?

Happily, and perhaps surprisingly, I found that the answer was yes. While other strong female artists like Tori Amos, Melissa Etheridge, and Alanis Morisette have mellowed since their awe-inspiring debuts, Danielle is still an artist who enjoys the darkness.

While mentioning Tori Amos it’s impossible not to draw comparisons between the two musicians. Just like Tori, Danielle’s music is characterised by her ethereal voice and pounding piano. Yet Danielle is no imitator. Her lyrics tell her own stories, and their allusions to magic and fairytales are compellingly whimsical. Those allusions give Calling All Magicians a wonderfully familiar feel to anyone who enjoyed her first release. The track “Back at the Red Door” even acts as a sequel of sorts to the White Monkey song “Cartoon.”

Danielle doesn’t dwell in the shadows altogether though. “On Your Side” has a playful jaunt to it, and there’s a calm beauty about the closer “End of Story.” We get the impression that for all the darkness, Danielle is in a pretty good place.

Calling All Magicians is a lush and evocative collection of songs, an album that’s one of the best I’ve heard this year. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you loved Danielle’s debut I can guarantee you’re going to adore it. And if you’ve never experienced her music, I encourage you give it a spin.

Image source: Chaos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Thirteen O’Clock” – The Lucky Wonders

A couple of weeks ago I was wowed by “So You’ve Never” by The Little Wonders. Now that I’ve got the band’s debut album Thirteen O’Clock in my hand I’m thrilled to hear the song was no flash in the pan.

This is a stunning album which takes music back to its roots. In a world of over-processed synthesised sounds the simplicity of The Lucky Wonders music really stands out. It’s simple, but effective, rooted in beautiful harmonies and acoustic orchestration.

I love that this disc feels uniquely Australian. We can hear the accents of vocalists Emma Royle and Jessie Vintila coming through, and even if you’ve never seen the Nullabor you’re taken there in the track of the same name.

The delicate opener “Home” is another standout, while “Emotional” provides one of the most poignant moments on the disc. The stripped back closer “Rather Be Lovin You” is rollicking good fun.

I can imagine much of Thirteen O’Clock being played around a campfire. It’s just so intimate and organic, with songs you know would sound just as perfect in the live arena as they do on the disc. It’s amazing to think this album is only the start of The Lucky Wonders’ story. With such maturity in their first release, this Byron Bay band definitely has a big future ahead.

Thirteen O’Clock is available in good music stores now. You can catch the band on their album launch tour at the following shows.

14 April 2010 – The Oxford Tavern, Wollongong
16 April 2010 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula
17 April 2010 – Milton Theatre, Milton
18 April 2010 – Front Bar, Canberra
19 April 2010 – The Phoenix, Canberra
23 April 2010 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
25 April 2010 – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne
29 April 2010 – The Republic Bar, Hobart
30 April 2010 – The Royal Oak, Launceston
1 May 2010 – Stage Door, Bernie
8 May 2010 – The Gov Front Bar, Adelaide
14 May 2010 – UWA, Perth
16 May 2010 – Mojos, Fremantle
20 May 2010 – Quindanning Inn, Quindanning
21 May 2010 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
22 May 2010 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 May 2010 – Denmark Tavern, Denmark
28 May 2010 – Camel Bar, Geraldton
29 May 2010 – Clancy’s, Fremantle
30 May 2010 – The Paddo, Perth
4 June 2010 – Gascoyne Hotel, Carnarvon
5 June 2010 – Monkey Bar, Monkey Mia
10 June 2010 – Coral Bay Hotel, Coral Bay
11 June 2010 – Whalers Bar, Exmouth
16, 18 & 19 June 2010 – Divers Tavern, Broome
20 June 2010 – Matsos Brewery, Broome
23 June 2010 – Station Township, Kununurra
25 June 2010 – Ski Club, Darwin
26 June 2010 – The Happy Yess, Darwin
27 June 2010 – Mindil Markets, Darwin
2 July 2010 – Firkin and Hound, Alice Springs
3 July 2010 – Outback Pioneer, Ayers Rock Resort
4 July 2010 – Residents Club, Ayers Rock Resort

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Ten” – Gabriella Cilmi

I received Gabriella Cilmi’s sophomore album Ten last week, and I’ve been listening to it sporadically ever since. So many CDs take up permanent residence in my stereo, but this one requires smaller doses.

The problem is that it’s all very samey. Gabriella is clearly enamoured with vintage disco; think Donna Summer and the Pointer Sisters. Upbeat pop gems and softer ballads alike blaze with synthesizers and 80s electro beats. It feels more like a guilty pleasure than the follow-up work of a multiple ARIA Award winner.

The current single “On a Mission” is a real standout, a fist pumping energetic dance track which has me reaching for my nearest hairbrush. The upbeat ditties that follow are also very strong, and when you think you can’t handle another dance track the romantic “Defender” is a welcome change of pace.

But at this half way point the album takes a bit of a nosedive. “Robots” is inoffensive but the lyrics are more than a little silly. “Superhot” also suffers from some juvenile lyrics and grating vocals. I know Gabriella’s a young woman, but this song feels less mature than anything on Lessons to be Learned. The electro revamp of “Sweet About Me” was frankly unnecessary; if you can’t improve on the song, why redo it? The second half of Ten feels like it has a lot of filler, which is surprising considering how much time has elapsed between albums number one and two.

I definitely don’t hate Ten. It’s frothy and fun; the kind of CD I’d put on to power through the housework or fire up a party. But if it replicates the success of Lessons to be Learned, I’ll be very surprised.

Ten is available in stores now.

Image source: auspOp

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Down the Way – Angus & Julia Stone

One of the best things about writing this blog is the music I have access to. Angus & Julia Stone’s sophomore effort Down the Way hits stores tomorrow, but I’ve already had a week or so to let this beautiful music wash over me.

Beautiful is the word that I keep coming back to with this album. It truly is a thing of beauty, whether the tracks are delicate and unadorned or lush tapestries of sound. Down the Way has both kinds of songs and they help to support one another, taking us on a journey that’s been two years in the making.

It’s an easy journey, relaxed and comforting. The songs are gentle but passionate, obviously crafted with love. They sneak up on you too, easing underneath your skin with every listen. There are no obvious singles, although the gorgeous “And The Boys” has been selected as the album’s first. That’s a strength though; rather than an album mixed with show ponies and fillers we have a record that’s a truly cohesive body of work. That’s surprising considering songs were recorded everywhere from Cornwall to Coolangatta, but it’s a credit to the band.

“For You” is my favourite song at the moment, although with an album like this that’s always subject to change. Right now though, the understated piano and deeply emotive lyrics are striking a chord. “Black Crow” feels like it could have been written thirty years earlier, with Angus’ easy folk voice and its mellow grooves. “Draw Your Swords” is an epic number, and I can’t imagine a more perfect conclusion than the gorgeous “The Devil’s Tears.”

Down The Way is the ideal soundtrack for lazy Sundays and quiet nights in. It will hit Australian record stores tomorrow ahead of the UK and European release on March 15 and the North American release on March 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Wine & Consequence" – Jack Carty

It may be Monday, but I’m still in a weekend frame of mind. That relaxed vibe can largely be attributed to Jack Carty’s debut EP Wine & Consequence, my soundtrack for today.wineconsequence

Jack creates the perfect music for the morning after. His softly spoken vocals pair perfectly with his acoustic guitar strummings. It’s a back to basics sound, unadorned and full of truth. It doesn’t grab you by the throat like so many CDs, preferring instead to crawl under your skin slowly. I’d listened to the disc three times before even realising it.

Of course, that laidback folky sound may be background music to many people. But I love the disc’s relaxed feel. It takes you back to Jack’s sleepy hometown of Bellingen, taking you away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Every track is strong, but the epic “Satellite” is the stand out for me. In the longest track on the EP, it just seems Jack has a little more room to play.

I remember kicking myself for missing Jack’s set at the Joshua Radin concert, and now that I’ve been given his EP I’m kicking myself just that little bit harder. I won’t make the same mistake again.

Image source: Inertia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

"Live at the Hi-Fi" – Kate Miller-Heidke

With Curiouser still sitting pretty in the Australian top 20, Sony has decided to drop another Kate Miller-Heidke CD. Cannily released to coincide with Kate’s current Australian tour, Live at the Hi-Fi Bar showcases tracks from both her recent chart-topper, her breakthrough debut, Little Eve, and her earlier EPs.

The Video Hits crowd may be disappointed at the absence of “Last Day on Earth,” but “Out and In” and “Space They Cannot Touch” are just as poignant and beautiful. I must admit, I’m not familiar with Kate’s early releases, but these tracks sucked me in with the first listen. “Dreams” is delightfully demented, and “Caught in the Crowd” seems even more touching in the live arena. A raucous cover of the Australian classic “You’re The Voice” gets the whole crowd singing along, while her tender treatment of Empire of the Sun’s “Walking on a Dream” is breathtaking.

There’s a lovely raw feel to proceedings. There’s all the spontaneity and organic energy that any good concert should have. That vibrant spirit is beautifully captured on the CD.

For those who only just discovered Kate’s music with the mainstream success of Curiouser, this is a great introduction to what came before. For those who were already in the know, it’s an excellent snapshot of this talented Aussie’s career to date. If you’re contemplating seeing Kate Miller-Heidke on her current tour, one spin of Live at the Hi-Fi should help you make up your mind.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia